The months after the holidays often cause some of us to be in a slump. We seem to drag along and feel unhappy. There is increasing evidence that a lack of sunlight during winter months can cause depression in some people. Symptoms include:

• Melancholy moods
  
• Changes in sleeping habits
  
• Craving for sweets and starchy foods
  
• Chronic fatigue
  

If you notice such a pattern developing during the winter, consider the following:

• When the sun does shine, go outside and soak it up. Protect your skin — it is the eye's exposure to sunlight that makes the difference. If you work inside, try to take a walk at lunchtime.

• Go south for a sunny vacation, if you can. (Don't we all wish for that!)

• Look for a laugh and stay involved with your regular activities.

• Some people may benefit from light therapy: sitting in front of bright, full-spectrum fluorescent lights for 1 to 5 hours a day. Depression often improves by the end of the first week of daily treatments. Consult your physician before starting this.

• Seek help if symptoms persist. There may be other causes for your symptoms.